Service learning according to the credible source, Edutopia, consists of "preparation and learning about the particular problem area or context the service experience will address and, ideally, is linked to academic subject matter being studied". This step is also known as Investigation, as given in the AMLE. After this meticulous preparation is the action aspect. Edutopia describes this section of Service Learning as a response "to actual community needs, be age appropriate and well organized, achieve specific benefits for the setting, and build specific skills in those carrying out the service". Next, after the action is reflection. Reflection "involves recalling elements of the service experience. It should also relate those experiences to prior situations, beliefs, and learning, asking questions, and coming up with solutions to problems". (Edutopia) The final, most exciting step is what they call demonstration and celebration. Entailed in the sources this ultimate step includes Those sharing "their experience with others, including their academic and social and emotional learning". To put this in short, or to condense it into a single definition; service learning "integrates meaningful service and classroom content. The process creates authentic learning opportunities while teaching civic responsibility through service to others with reciprocal benefits for all involved". (Service- Learning: The Time is Now)
The experience of service learning differs from that of just service because "The process (Service Learning) creates authentic learning opportunities while teaching civic responsibility through service to others with reciprocal benefits for all involved. . .Students discover intrinsic motivation when they care about the subject matter and recognize a need they can fulfill". (AMLE) This is why this aspect of learning is vital in the classroom!
As a history and secondary education major I could implement service learning in my classroom by having the students ask their parents/ grandparents/ guardians what they believe is the biggest problem in the community. Next, I would have the students find at least one other time in history where this problem was seen before or seen to a much higher degree. Posing the impending question as how do we stop history from repeating itself I would require the students to, in groups of two or three, to come up with a solution, discuss the results following the changes they would implement, then have them show me some kind of evidence for bonus points that they are taking innovative to test their theorized solution. It will not be required to do the service project because some people may not be able to due to home live and other circumstances.
The experience of service learning differs from that of just service because "The process (Service Learning) creates authentic learning opportunities while teaching civic responsibility through service to others with reciprocal benefits for all involved. . .Students discover intrinsic motivation when they care about the subject matter and recognize a need they can fulfill". (AMLE) This is why this aspect of learning is vital in the classroom!
As a history and secondary education major I could implement service learning in my classroom by having the students ask their parents/ grandparents/ guardians what they believe is the biggest problem in the community. Next, I would have the students find at least one other time in history where this problem was seen before or seen to a much higher degree. Posing the impending question as how do we stop history from repeating itself I would require the students to, in groups of two or three, to come up with a solution, discuss the results following the changes they would implement, then have them show me some kind of evidence for bonus points that they are taking innovative to test their theorized solution. It will not be required to do the service project because some people may not be able to due to home live and other circumstances.